3 minute read

Trainer Richard Hannon was happy with the run of Nelspruit after the two-year-old finished second behind runaway winner Buratino in the Listed Investec Woodcote Stakes at Epsom this afternoon.

The two-year-old had no answer to the winner's finishing kick but still ran respectably, finishing the six length runner-up with the Joseph Tuite-trained Just Emma a further length back in third.

The winner paid a handsome compliment to the Hannon-trained King Of Rooks, who won the National Stakes at Sandown impressively with Buratino back in second.

"He's has run a good race and we've been beaten by a very talented horse," said Hannon.

"We're delighted with our lad and it's a nice boost for King Of Rooks as well."

Tuite was ecstatic with the performance of Just Emma, who belied her odds of 25/1 to finish third.

"I'm disappointed - I thought we'd win!" said Tuite.

"In all seriousness though, she's run brilliantly. This was the plan and we came here to get placed. I think this is one of the easiest Listed races to come and get some black type in for two-year-olds so we've had this in mind since she won at Brighton.

"I knew she'd handle the track. We're very happy and she's done nothing wrong. We'll run in the Albany now (at Royal Ascot) and we'll be tilting at windmills again but she's Listed placed now and deserves her chance.

"I'm delighted for Tony (Byrne - owner and breeder) as she's a homebred and we've got her half-sister, who is to die for, so we've got a lot to look forward to."